Heritage Sailing Adventure Cornwall to Devon
- Vessel: Pilgrim of Brixham
- Where: Cornwall/Devon
- Duration: 7 days
- Embark: Falmouth, Cornwall - 17 July 2021, 11:30
- Disembark: Brixham, Devon - 24 July 2021, 12:00
Sorry you’ve missed the boat!
This voyage has now sailed. Check out our voyage finder to see what else we have available.
Join Pilgrim of Brixham as she makes a journey from Falmouth to Brixham and see the south coast of England from a breathtaking viewpoint.
Join Pilgrim of Brixham in Falmouth, Cornwall for a short mile builder introduction. A great way to get a taste of open water coastal sailing as Pilgrim sails from Falmouth to Brixham on the Devon the coast.
This voyage is perfect for those looking to spend longer hours under sail getting to grips with the lulls of ocean sailing while onboard a traditionally rigged heritage vessel.
- Coastal sailing
- Mile builder
- Great for adventurers & solo travellers
- All-inclusive
- Traditional wooden boat
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
your Sailing Area
Cornwall and Devon
As you sail out of Falmouth spot the two castles either side of the river, St. Mawes and Pendennis. St. Mawes stands proudly as the most elaborately decorated of Henry VIII’s artillery fortresses built in the 14thC, and despite its excellent condition, it has been developed very little since it was built – unlike Pendennis. Playing a role in plenty of combat situations since being built in the 1540’s, Pendennis has defended Falmouth during the Civil War in 1646, acted as a key supply base against the French and Portuguese in the 1800’s, and was active during both the First and Second World Wars, with Half Moon Battery’s Guns – able to fire up to 14 miles out to sea!
.
As you sail out to sea and continue East, you’ll notice the idyllic-looking headland of the Roseland, with its golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters and rolling meadows. Perhaps you’ll anchor at Portscatho, or somewhere a little more secluded and discover coves that are inaccessible by land – this part of Cornwall is full of hidden gems.
Cruise past historic Cornish fishing villages including Fowey and Charlestown keeping your eyes peeled for Aiden Turner and the rest of the Poldark crew as filming for the hit BBC show often takes place in Charlestown. Brendan will choose any number of these places to anchor on the way and you’ll be able to explore these villages in the mornings and evenings before and after setting sail for the day.
Pass Slapton Sands and Salcombe and then past magnificent Berry Head. This dramatic limestone headland is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is home to a sea bird colony of guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, Kestrels and gulls. We are often accompanied by dolphins or porpoises here, so make sure you are up on deck with your camera to get some great shots of the amazing sea life.
Your final destination is the home of Pilgrim herself – Brixham. A picture postcard fishing town with colour-washed fisherman’s cottages rising up around the old harbour, make sure you leave enough time to really appreciate this sweet town. Brixham is also home to a number of other heritage vessels and classic sailing boats and fishing trawlers.
All voyages for Pilgrim of Brixham
Pilgrim of Brixham
Guest berths: 10 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch
Pilgrim of Brixham, built in 1895, is a traditional gaff rigged ketch that is one of a handful of remaining wooden sailing trawlers that were built in Brixham. Pilgrim and her iconic red sails were once part of a large fishing fleet operating out of Brixham, which used to be the principal fishing port in the country. Her survival is testament to her quality, with many similar Victorian fishing vessels having a life span of less than 20 years – and the main reason for her survival is thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group and many individual donors and volunteers.
The Pilgrim Story
After spending many years under different owners in Scandinavia, in 1999 she was brought home from Denmark back to Brixham. After significant restoration work, a few mishaps along the way and a hefty dose of community spirit, Pilgrim was returned to her former glory above decks, and brought up to modern standards below.
Today, as a charter vessel, the Brixham community still rallies around Pilgrim, with local crew, experienced and skilled volunteers performing maintenance and making the Pilgrim of Brixham operation run like clockwork. VentureSail is incredibly proud to have a hand in getting people aboard this historic vessel to not only experience how magnificently she sails, but also to see how passionate those that sail her are. Join Pilgrim on voyages around Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, or experience maritime festivals on this incredible vessel.
Deck plan

Life on Board
Sailing with Pilgrim of Brixham is perfect for all types of traveller – from solo adventurers to couples and families, her crew are well versed in adapting the sailing to suit guests. From over-night sailing that are great for beginners to longer passages across the English Channel, sailing with Pilgrim of Brixham is certainly to suited to all capabilities.
Getting involved
Pilgrim of Brixham is rigged to sail with up to seven red sails, and believe it not, previous sailing experience is not necessary. All our guests are very welcome to join the crew including novices who can quite literally learn the ropes! Learn some simple navigation, help to berth alongside and of course hoist those iconic red sails. Those with experience will especially enjoy and appreciate the scale of Pilgrim of Brixham’s rig and seeing how these big old vessels perform under sail. You can even take the helm – but don’t panic, you’ll always be doing things under the watchful eye of your skipper.
If you’re after a relaxed cruise on board a classic vessel, then we, of course, cater to that too. Bring your book and binoculars and sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Sleeping and Relaxation
Pilgrim of Brixham’s voyages are all-inclusive so all meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. Although there is a dedicated chef onboard, working together is at the heart of everything Pilgrim of Brixham offers, with all her crew part of a volunteers trust.
Above decks with her traditional rig and impressive tiller, there is plenty of space to sit back, relax and enjoy the maritime views. Below decks has been recently renovated with a modern wet room and sleeping quarters split into a communal six berth as part of the saloon and a communal four berth cabin sitting adjacent to the saloon.
Read more about what to expect from Life on board Pilgrim of Brixham here.
What’s included
- All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
What’s not included
- Towels
- Waterproofs
- Alcohol
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.
FAQ
-
Are meals included?
Yes - meals will be as locally sourced as possible and freshly prepared. Food is often a real hit on Pilgrim.
-
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Mostly, but please let us know before booking if you have any special needs.
-
What language is spoken on board?
English
-
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 6 berths in the main saloon, with 4 in a cabin at the front of the ship, and 4 at the back (these are usually crew bunks)
-
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
-
Is there an age limit?
Standard policy is no under 8's but please check for private charter.
-
Do I need to be a seasoned sailor?
Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like, whether they know how to or not.
-
Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels.
-
How many toilet/showers does she have?
Two for guests
-
Is there WIFI?
No, but you should typically be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
-
Can I charge my phone/camera?
Yes, we have UK 3 pin mains sockets onboard. We also have a few USB sockets for charging phones.
-
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
-
Are waterproofs provided?
There are some for emergencies but please bring your own.
-
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Falmouth, Cornwall
To: Brixham, Devon
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
.
Falmouth
BY RAIL:
There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Truro from Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Docks. Port Pendennis Marina is a 5-10 minute walk from Falmouth Docks station.
BY AIR:
The quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months, Newquay Airport requires taking either a taxi to Truro Train Station for the onward rail travel, or a taxi direct to Falmouth.
STAY IN FALMOUTH:
There are plenty of places to stay in Falmouth. Try The Red House Guest House, The Lerryn Hotel or The Falmouth Hotel.
Brixham
BY RAIL:
Brixham’s closest train station is Paignton. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Paignton from Exmouth and London Paddington. Once in Paignton take a taxi or bus to Brixham.
BY AIR:
Fly direct into Exeter Airport for Brixham, then it’s a 40 minute taxi ride to Brixham.
STAY IN BRIXHAM:
There are plenty of places to stay in Brixham. Try Sea Tang Guest House, Berry Head Hotel or Harbour View.